U S West Signs $300 Million Agreement with Lucent Technologies To Increase Network Capacity for Data and Voice Services.

Companies Unveil Strategic Business Relationship Agreement

Designed to Speed Communications Technology Innovations

DENVER, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- U S WEST (NYSE: USW) today announced a two-year strategic agreement between its telephone subsidiary and Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) valued at over $300 million for state-of-the-art switching telecommunications equipment, software, and professional services to enable U S WEST to offer a broader array of data and voice services to customers.

As part of the agreement, U S WEST will deploy 41 new 5ESS Digital Switches over the next two years, replacing analog central office switches and software in the network. The new technology is expected to allow U S WEST to:

-- Accommodate greater volumes of voice telephone calls as well as data

transmissions

-- Facilitate the installation of additional customers lines more quickly

and efficiently

-- Prepare for future customer services integrating voice, video, and data

over one network

The agreement provides for supplying 5ESS Switches for new central offices and accommodating growth in existing 5ESS central offices. All 14 states in U S WEST's territory are expected to benefit from the contract through additional 5ESS software upgrades and potential expansions. The amount of investment in each state will be determined based upon customer need and the business environment. The company currently has 5ESS Switches in service across its territory.

Along with its flagship 5ESS(R) Digital Switch Lucent also will supply software and Lucent Technologies NetCare professional services as part of the agreement. Lucent NetCare services include network design, engineering, installation and technical support.

"Lucent knows networks, and we have extensive experience supporting U S WEST in providing its customers the most advanced services through the 5ESS Switch platform." said Ave Elliott, Lucent regional vice president. "Lucent's 5ESS Switch, already a mainstay in U S WEST central offices, will facilitate a smooth transition from the circuit-based to packet-based networks necessary to handle the ever increasing data needs of customers."

Lucent's 5ESS Switch was the first to provide wireline and wireless, voice, video and data on the same switch platform. The switch's flexible platform offers diverse applications for Internet, ISDN, ADSL, local and long-distance services.

The contract is part of the company's plan to quickly deploy sophisticated new technology developed to more efficiently handle customers' growing demand for communications services.

In addition to the new upgrades, the two companies unveiled a strategic business relationship designed to speed communications technology innovations to U S WEST customers. The ground-breaking relationship is intended to be a "road map" for the two organizations' working relationship for delivering world-class communications products and services to U S WEST's customers.

Elliott indicated that both companies will utilize their expertise to focus on technology evolution initiatives, collaborate in the early test and evaluation of key voice and data products, shorten development times and focus on cost effectiveness.

U S WEST provides a full range of telecommunications services -- including wireline, wireless PCS, data networking, directory and information services -- to more than 25 million customers nationally and in 14 western and midwestern states.

Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, New Jersey, designs, builds and delivers a wide range of public and private networks, communications systems and software, data networking systems, business telephone systems and microelectronics components. Bell Laboratories is the research and development arm for the company.

Safe Harbor Statement: This document contains statements about expected future events that are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. For these statements, we claim the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include: (i) greater than anticipated competition from new entrants into the local exchange, intraLATA toll, wireless, data and directories markets, causing loss of customers and increased price competition; (ii) changes in demand for U S WEST's products and services, including optional custom calling features; (iii) higher than anticipated employee levels, capital expenditures and operating expenses (such as costs associated with year 2000 remediation); (iv) the loss of significant customers; (v) pending and future state and federal regulatory changes affecting the telecommunications industry, including changes that could have an impact on the competitive environment in the local exchange market; (vi) a change in economic conditions in the various markets served by U S WEST's operations; (vii) higher than anticipated start-up costs associated with new business opportunities; (viii) delays in U S WEST's ability to begin offering interLATA long-distance services; (ix) consumer acceptance of broadband services, including telephony, data and wireless services; and (x) delays in the development of anticipated technologies, or the failure of such technologies to perform according to expectations. These cautionary statements should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission regarding the adequacy of disclosures made by U S WEST. U S WEST cannot always predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. In addition, readers are urged to consider statements that include the terms "believes," "belief," "expects," "plans," "objectives," "anticipates," "intends," or the like to be uncertain and forward-looking. All cautionary statements should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. U S WEST does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)

Lenovo Named One of the World's Most Reputable Companies, According to The Global RepTrak™ 100.

Lenovo announced that it has been named one of "The World's Most Reputable Companies," according to the Reputation Institute's 2011 Global RepTrak™ 100, a consumer study that assesses the reputations of the world's most prominent companies.

"Our long-term mission at Lenovo is to be one of the most well-respected and trusted personal technology companies in the world, and this recognition is a milestone for us in that journey," said Yang Yuanqing, chief executive officer, Lenovo. "We work tirelessly each day to deliver innovative products, serve our customers and partners and build a strong global culture of commitment and ownership. Our inclusion on the list of 'The World's Most Reputable Companies' demonstrates that our commitment to these areas resonates with key constituents worldwide, and we will continue to build on this momentum."

This recognition comes on the heels of Lenovo's rapid global business growth. The company is the fastest growing of the top five PC manufacturers worldwide for the sixth quarter in a row. In addition, for the eighth quarter in a row, Lenovo's growth exceeded the worldwide PC market as a whole. During the company's fourth quarter ending in March 2011, Lenovo's worldwide shipments increased 16 percent year-over-year, and for the first time, Lenovo surpassed $21 billion in annual revenue. This momentum is a result of Lenovo's "protect & attack" strategy which focuses on maintaining a stronghold in China while aggressively building brand awareness and presence in new and emerging markets.

The Global RepTrak™ assesses the reputations of the world's largest and most viable companies by surveying 47,000 consumers across 15 markets. The RepTrak™ model measures the health of a company's reputation across stakeholders, countries and industries, as well as seven key driver dimensions: products and services, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship, leadership and performance.

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook. About Lenovo Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (PINK SHEETS: LNVGY) is a $US21 billion personal technology company serving customers in more than 160 countries, and the world's fourth-largest PC vendor. Dedicated to building exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile Internet devices, Lenovo's business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile Internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.

Keywords: Asia.

This article was prepared by China Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, China Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.

Research and Markets: Romania's Telecom Market to Grow To RON16.5bn ($5.0bn) In the 2010-2015 Period.

M2 PRESSWIRE-June 27, 2011-: Research and Markets: Romania's Telecom Market to Grow To RON16.5bn ($5.0bn) In the 2010-2015 Period(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:27062011

Dublin - Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/19ea2c/romania_telecom_in) has announced the addition of the "Romania Telecom Intelligence Report - Intense Competition and Consolidation Continue to Drive the Market" report to their offering.

The Romanian telecom market contracted by 8.1% in 2010, from RON14.9bn ($4.9bn) in 2009 to RON13.7bn ($4.3bn) in 2010, as both residential and business customers implemented cost optimization strategies. In addition, the price wars among UPC, RCS&RDS and Romtelecom, aimed both at keeping existing subscribers as well as gaining new ones, had a negative effect on the overall revenue picture of the market. As economic recuperation slowly takes place, we expect Romania's telecom market to grow to RON16.5bn ($5.0bn) in the 2010-2015 period, at a CAGR of 3.7% in local currency terms, representing a cumulative service revenue opportunity of RON89.0bn ($27.0bn) at the same time.

We forecast that the investments in next-generation networks, spurred by regulatory activities and the implementation of the National Broadband Strategy, will result in a higher proliferation of broadband access both on the fixed and mobile side. Bundling of services, which is practiced by the majority of the operators, will accelerate the already pronounced fixed-mobile convergence trends.

Like other Central & Eastern European countries, the fixed telephony market is impacted by the shift to mobile telephony and VoIP services. Thus we expect the mobile segment to increase its share of the total revenue pie from 63% to 64%, also owing to growth coming from mobile Internet propelled by proliferation of 3G+ and the spread of smartphones.

Affordable, budget bundles continue to attract customers hit by the economic crisis, while high speeds and rich content remain important as competition intensifies in Romania, according to a new report.

Romania: Intense Competition and Consolidation Continue to Drive the Market offers a precise profile of the country's telecommunications, media and technology sectors based on proprietary data from Pyramid's research in the market. It provides detailed competitive analysis of both the fixed and mobile sectors, tracks the market shares of technologies and monitors the introduction and spread of new technologies.

Pyramid Research forecasts that the investments in next-generation networks, spurred by regulatory activities and the implementation of the National Broadband Strategy, will result in a higher proliferation of broadband access both on the fixed and mobile side, say Sylwia Boguszewska, analyst at Pyramid Research and author of this report. Bundling of services, which is practiced by the majority of the operators, will accelerate the already pronounced fixed-mobile convergence trends, she indicates.

Operators should take advantage of the National Broadband strategy and target the under penetration of broadband in rural areas. Mobile operators offer a range of laptops and netbooks, which, if bundled with mobile Internet subscriptions, are available at a discounted price. Pyramid expects bundling of netbooks with data access to become more prominent because operators will be targeting people without access to a PC or fixed broadband, especially in rural areas, indicates Boguszewska. As these are the areas with lower spending power, partnering with vendors such as Huawei or ZTE is an option for provision of affordable netbooks and dongles, notes Bogszewska. Having a well-diversified device portfolio, with low-cost smartphones, as well as attractive dual-SIM phones, will be key to success.

Key Topics Covered:

-Executive Summary

-Market and Competitor Overview

- Romania in a regional context

- Economic, demographic and political context

- Regulatory environment

- Demand profile

- Service evolution

- Competitive landscape

- Major market players

-Segment analysis

- Mobile services

- Fixed services

- Pay-TV

- Convergence

-Identifying Opportunities

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/19ea2c/romania_telecom_in

Source: Pyramid Research, Inc.

CONTACT:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager,

press@researchandmarkets.com

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

PRIME TIME FOR WOMEN'S BOOKS; Maybe it's the rise of book clubs, or graduate programs, or Oprah. But great books by women just keep coming and coming.(VARIETY)

Byline: LAURIE HERTZEL; STAFF WRITER

Special to the Star Tribune

The controversy started last fall, when novelist Jodi Picoult voiced loud annoyance that Jonathan Franzen was getting more attention than most female writers typically get.

It continued when the women's literary group VIDA voiced louder annoyance after determining that most book reviews are written by men, and most of those reviews are of books also written by men. (The New York Times, for instance, reviewed 283 books by women last year -- and 524 by men.)

There was so much outrage you might have missed the quiet evolution that was going on, sort of off to the side: the rise in the number of interesting, intelligent novels written by women. It's been a steady, strong growth over the past several years.

We're not talking about romance novels, or sassy, consume-it-in-one-bite chick lit. And we're not talking, exactly, about Pulitzer- or Booker-winning stuff by the likes of Jennifer Egan or Hilary Mantel. We're talking about something in between -- thoughtful and entertaining fiction, written by women and (let's face it) read primarily by women.

"It does seem like there's a huge growth of multitalented female writers who are coming out with books on this level," said Michael Taeckens, a senior publicist for Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, N.C. "I think there are a lot of readers who don't really want to read chick lit -- not that there's anything wrong with that, but they're looking for something more. At the same time, they're not looking for the next 'Finnegan's Wake.'"

In recent years, Algonquin has published a flurry of such books by women -- the bestselling "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen, "Pictures of You" by Caroline Leavitt and "A Friend of the Family" by Lauren Grodstein, to name a few. Taeckens came up with many other titles, published by others, without even pausing to think.

"'The Help,' by Kathryn Stockett. 'Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.' Writers like Alice Hoffman and Jacqueline Mitchard and maybe even Anne Lamott and Sue Miller fall into this category," he said. "It seems like there are now, within the past two years or so, a lot more of those Anne Lamotts and Sue Millers out there."

Taeckens isn't sure if more women are writing these books, or if publishers are just more open to publishing them. "It might be a demand in the marketplace," he said. "There's a really big thirst for this kind of book. I think book clubs definitely play a huge role in it, and independent booksellers, as well. It's really nice to see. There are a lot of talented writers out there."

The Internet, and Oprah

Ellen Akins, a novelist and college instructor, agreed. "I think it is increasing as women go through MFA programs and study writing more," said Akins, who has won the Whiting Award and an award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and teaches in Fairleigh Dickinson University's MFA program. (She also reviews books for the Star Tribune.)

These books are about homey, intimate things: relationships, friendships, things left unsaid, decisions to be made -- "books about feelings for educated women," Akins calls them.

"I don't think women are suddenly more talented," she said. "I think there's just more access and more attention. It came together with a better reading public, too, a better audience for those books.

"And I would put Oprah into the mix, too, frankly. She single-handedly increased that audience."

The Internet, with blogs, virtual book clubs, Twitter, Facebook and sites devoted to reading, such as Goodreads and Shelfari, has also played an enormous role.

"The online culture is really important for book buzz," Taeckens said. "This is a place where people get an awful lot of book recommendations."

Word of mouth -- virtual or actual -- has made the fortune of many of these books, such as "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," which became a bestseller through indie booksellers passionately hand-selling it, and book clubs championing it.

Susan Gilbert-Collins, who grew up in South Dakota and was educated at the University of Minnesota, is the author of "Starting From Scratch," a novel about a young woman grieving her mother's death.

"My awareness of how many women are reading has really grown since this book has come out," she said. "It's interesting, because I didn't think a lot in terms of women's fiction until I actually had an agent. She started using the term 'women's fiction,' and I found it a little unsettling at first. I love fiction, any fiction that's good, but then I started realizing that women are really the biggest readers out there of fiction. And book clubs -- I started to realize how important they are. I hadn't thought of it as such a far-reaching phenomenon. My awareness kind of blew open a little."

Still, Gilbert-Collins is not sure if there are more women writing, or just more writers overall. "I think there are so many serious people trying to write, maybe because of MFA programs, I don't know. I wonder if women are sort of gaining confidence for some reason. It's a risk, to write.

"My agent commented last summer that the quality she receives -- and she receives a lot of women's fiction -- is so high she can afford to be really picky right now."

Good news for readers, though not necessarily for writers. And for reviewers? Who knows? Maybe VIDA's next report won't be as bleak.

Laurie Hertzel is the Star Tribune books editor. She is at 612-673-7302.

THE LUCK OF THE BUTTONS

By Anne Ylvisaker

When I finished reading "Dear Papa," Anne Ylvisaker's first fiction book for young readers, I couldn't wait for what she might write next. I haven't been disappointed. My recommendation for summer reading is her third and latest book, "The Luck of the Buttons." No matter your age (I have an AARP card), this book is a delight. Tugs Button, the protagonist, will take you on a wonderful romp. Ylvisaker's prose reads like poetry as she creates beautiful images that never feel contrived or self-conscious. If I could afford it, I would buy this book for everyone I know who knows how to read.

Eunice Jensen, Anoka

A TRIO OF IDEAS

Good summertime reads: "Water for Elephants" (Sara Gruen), "The Help" (Kathryn Stockett) and "Prayers and Lies" (Sherry Wood Emmons). Great dialogue, complex characters, engaging plots. Who could ask for more?

Carrie Magnuson, Minneapolis

The Autobiography of Mark Twain

By Mark Twain

It has been on my nightstand since Christmas. I think summer will be a great time to travel into the past with an excellent narrator.

Donna Ruud, Andover

CUTTING FOR STONE

By Abraham Verghese

"Cutting for Stone" is my hands-down, highly recommended book for summer reading this year. The first page captured me and held me prisoner until the story ended. Honestly, until I finished it, I didn't want to do a single other thing except read this book! It is the book I offer to customers in our bookstore who are looking for an engaging, well-written story. (Of course, Chris Cleave's "Little Bee" is pretty terrific, also.)

Susie Fruncillo, White Bear Lake

THE LAKE OF DREAMS

By Kim Edwards

I have been an avid reader since I was a young girl, 10 or so (now 84), so I feel well qualified to recommend a book or three for summer reading at any time. First choice: "The Lake of Dreams," by Kim Edwards (the gal who wrote "Memory Keeper's Daughter," which I also loved). Second choice: "A Reliable Wife," by Robert Goolrick. You can't go wrong on any of these. Keep you page-turning!

Shirlee Heinz, Minnetonka

SUDDENLY, SOME IDEAS

Summer is catch-up and on-the-go reading for me. Camping. Beach. Travel. Fast and light. Into my book bag goes "Sudden Fiction: American Short-Short Stories," "New Sudden Fiction: Short-Short Stories," "Sudden Fiction International: 60 Short Stories," and "Flash Fiction Forward: 80 Very Short Stories." These books contain a variety of stories by familiar and new authors. All quick reads. "Sudden Fiction: American Short-Short Stories" has a marvelous afterword with brief essays by the authors about the traditional short story and the new form.

Carol Cochran, Minneapolis

THE LOON LAKE FISHING MYSTERIES

By Victoria Houston

Great summer reading. The characters, retired dentist Paul Osborne and police chief Lewellen Ferris, solve murders and do a little fishing when time allows. The setting is northern Wisconsin. I have read the first 10 books. Another should be available soon. The first one was "Dead Angler." The following "Deads" are very entertaining. As a mystery lover, I am hooked.

Sue Hanson, Bloomington

WHERE THE GOD OF LOVE HANGS OUT

By Amy Bloom

If you like Raymond Carver, Amy Bloom's "Where the God of Love Hangs Out" is terrific.

Orval Lund, Winona

SARAH'S KEY

By Tatiana de Rosnay

A favorite summer read is "Sarah's Key." You will not forget this well-written, compelling masterpiece. So profound it is hard to put down. You deserve to read this.

Fran Simonson, Edina

COMING OF AGE

A couple of my favorite summer novels are "Summer of '42" by Herman Raucher, and "City Boy" by Herman Wouk. Both are hilarious coming-of-age guy-centric love stories. Unfortunately these gems seem to go in and out of print, but they're both easy to find used.

Kurtis Scaletta, Minneapolis

COMING OF AGE, PART TWO

For the summer I am recommending two coming of age books: "The Gate at the Stairs" by Lorrie Moore -- honest evocation of someone going off to a new world in college; and "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin -- heartfelt story of the time after World War II when young people all were trying to find their way in a world so changed. For short story, "Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It" by Maile Meloy, and for historical novel "The Great House" by Nicole Krauss took my breath away.

Pam Kearney, Edina

DANDELION WINE

By Ray Bradbury

It takes place in the summer of 1928 in a small town in the Midwest: thought-provoking, slightly magical stories of the people who live there as seen through the eyes of 10- and 12-year-old brothers.

Karen Kandik, Minneapolis

THE GARDEN OF EDEN

By Ernest Hemingway

His best work, IMHO. Yes, it was unfinished when Hemingway died, but it doesn't read that way. For my money, it brilliantly captures writing, an unstable partner, and a mutual decision to invite a third party into the relationship -- and how these three elements ricochet off each other toward catastrophe. As for why in the summer, "Eden" is set in the French Riviera during summertime, and every aspect of the story feels soaked with the heat and the sunshine and the ocean air.

Matthew Tiffany, Brunswick, Maine

Big Wheat

By Rich Thompson

Though set in the fall harvest season, local writer Rich Thompson's mystery, "Big Wheat," is a very satisfying read. Taking place in the early 20th century at the advent of mechanized threshing, the book has a tight plot, great characters, and is well-researched.

Barbara DaCosta, Minneapolis

A MOVABLE FEAST BY ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Wine, sun, Europe. Tough to beat.

Jeff O'Neal, Brooklyn, N.Y.

LITTLE BEE

By Chris Cleave

Unputdownable. Also, "Incendiary," by the same author, which I've just picked up. Seriously good writing; but topics are anything but light. Perfect for that summer afternoon at the lake.

Julie Muehlberg, Minneapolis

ENCHANTED APRIL, ELIZABETH AND HER GERMAN GARDEN

By Elizabeth von Arnim

I re-read these books every summer. The latter is perhaps my favorite: Her daughters are named April, May, June, her husband is never referred to by name but is always called "the man of wrath." Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men and a Boat" is also a fun summer read.

Betsy Vinz, Moorhead

THE GREAT GATSBY

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

I love re-reading Gatsby in summer. And I'm a big Raymond Carver fan, as well as a Raymond Chandler (Phillip Marlowe) fan.

Chuck Leddy, Boston

GONE WITH THE WIND

By Margaret Mitchell

The Civil War began 150 years ago, and this year is the 75th anniversary of the publication of "Gone With the Wind." Our book club is taking the entire summer to read it.

Barbara Wright Carlson, Mounds View

HARRY POTTER, START TO FINISH

I'm going to be reading all the Harry Potter books (for an All-Harry Potter Books Bars meeting in July). And they definitely make me think of summer. They all begin and end in summer, and I had to dodge spoilers for two weeks after I bought book seven so I could take it up to the lake for the week and read it nonstop.

Linda White, Maplewood

RIVETHEAD: TALES FROM THE ASSEMBLY LINE

By Ben Hamper

You'll laugh and cry, and in today's economy you could be next!

Danny Klecko, St. Paul

ERAGON

By Christopher Paolini

I read it and its sequel, "Eldest," during the summer when I worked at my school dining commons. It still brings memories of sitting by the school swimming pool on hot days.

Wathira Nganga, Haledon, N.J.

UF STUDY: COLLEGE-AGE FACEBOOK USERS REACT NEGATIVELY TO SITE'S ADS.

GAINESVILLE, Fla -- The following information was released by the University of Florida:

Customers often "like" businesses on Facebook, but when it comes to those companies' ads on the social networking site, "dislike" is closer to the mark, says a University of Florida study of college-age users.

The survey, conducted by advertising Professor Jon D. Morris with graduate students Qinwei "Vivi" Xie and Meng Zhang, shows that while college-age users reported positive feelings about business pages on Facebook, sponsored posts and banner ads were viewed as intrusions.

Believed to be the first of its kind, the study was chosen for presentation at Berlin's International Conference on the Arts in Society this month, and was recognized as the top faculty paper at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Southeast Colloquium in March.

With businesses on track to spend more than $3 billion on Facebook in 2011, up 55 percent from last year, information on how users perceive the ads could help businesses reach customers without alienating them, Morris said.

"Companies are directing a lot of money to Facebook without a clue of what's effective," he said. "People consider Facebook a private space, and they don't like ads that feel intrusive."

Xie and Morris surveyed 320 graduate and undergraduate students who were active Facebook users. The web-based questionnaire covered three types of business presence on the site: News Feed ads, which appear as posts on a user's Facebook home page along with friends' status updates; banner ads, which appear on the right side of the page; and business profile pages. The three are collectively called Facebook Social Ads.

Business profile pages were the only type of advertisement that received positive ratings. News feed ads, which include posts from companies the user has actively "liked," garnered more attention than banner ads, but still elicited negative feelings, according to the survey responses. Despite negative feelings toward overt ads, the survey showed that users are reluctant to pay a small monthly fee to use Facebook without advertising content.

Xie said she found it surprising that News Feed ads, which are generated through preferences expressed by users and their friends, would fare as poorly as banner ads when it came to emotional response.

"News Feed ads got more attention than banner ads, but they weren't having a positive emotional impact," she said.

The study marks what Xie and Morris believe to be the first academic survey of college students about Facebook Social Ads. Most of the previous studies of college students' Internet and social network use have dealt with privacy concerns, Morris said.

Xie would like to follow the survey with an experiment that evaluates Facebook users' responses to banner ads and News Feed ads separately to determine which types of advertising reach customers best, she said. But the negative responses toward both of these ads leads her to believe that companies should focus their efforts on building interactive, highly personalized business pages on Facebook to connect with customers.

"Like any advertising, Facebook ads have to be relevant to be engaging," she said.

ATTO Technology Introduces FastFrame 10Gb/s Network Interface Card for High-Bandwidth Connectivity.

ATTO Technology, Inc., a global leader of storage connectivity and infrastructure solutions for data-intensive computing environments, announced the launch of its latest offering in its family of high-performance products, the FastFrame™ 10Gb/s Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). Combining leading Ethernet technology and ATTO's 23-year expertise in high-bandwidth data transfer, the FastFrame NIC is the only card of its kind on the market offered in Quad, Dual and Single port options for PCIe 2.0 data interconnects.

Growth in bandwidth intensive data I/O environments, including Internet Protocol (IP) traffic, voice over IP (VOIP), Video on demand (VOD), High Performance Computing (HPC) clustering, combined with the available processing power in multi-core processor servers is driving users to adopt 10Gb Ethernet solutions. ATTO's 10Gb Ethernet NICs not only meet and exceed the growing demands of traditional host-to-host networking, but they also expand the possibilities to Ethernet based storage by supporting Data Center Bridging.

ATTO's FastFrame NICs, based on Intel chip technology, offers field-proven, industry standard network connectivity available for Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, making them the most versatile 10Gb/s Ethernet cards available for high-bandwidth I/O connectivity found in markets such as media and entertainment, education and government. In addition, they provide lowest power consumption, up to 30 percent lower than similar products, easing data center budgets when it comes to overall power and cooling costs.

"With a wide variety of high-bandwidth connectivity products and a majority share in the media and entertainment markets, ATTO FastFrame™ 10Gb Network Interface Cards are a natural extension of ATTO's product portfolio," said Timothy J. Klein, president and CEO for ATTO Technology, Inc. "ATTO's FastFrame extends the benefits of 10Gb/s network connectivity to Mac OS[R] X in rich-content environments in M&E markets while also providing support for Windows and Linux servers when used in datacenter applications."

FastFrame 10Gb/s NICs will be available for shipment in late April 2011 and will be on display in ATTO's booth at SNW 2011 at Hyatt Regency Silicon Valley/Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California April 4 through April 7 (Kiosk A5). They will also be demonstrated at NAB 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada April 11 through April 14 (Booth SL2510). For more information, please visit www.attotech.com, or contact an ATTO authorized representative.

Keywords: ATTO Technology, ATTO Technology Inc., Entertainment, Ethernet, Industry, Linux, Networks, Software, Technology Companies.

This article was prepared by Computer Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Computer Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.

Green-fingered gatherings: gardening clubs are a great way to share problems and triumphs, says Anna Weston.(Alternatives)(Brief article)

Sharing resources and knowledge comes naturally in the gardening community. Advice is given freely - often even when it is not asked for - and being able to dip into this pool of knowledge is an important part of becoming an experienced gardener. When starting out, take note of what is growing successfully in gardens nearby, see what weeds are present and always ask questions. Most gardeners love to be quizzed about their patch and a little flattery goes a long way. Information is readily available in books, magazines and online, but the internet has its limitations when it comes to seeking advice about problems that are unique to your area. Joining a local gardening club can provide this invaluable advice and support for novice gardeners.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Gardening clubs cover everything from cultivating vegetables to growing and caring for delicate and rare plants. They all encourage members to share tips and ideas; it's an opportunity to make friends and learn something new. Allotment associations are often linked to local gardening clubs, providing help and advice to members.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Clubs often host speaker events and tours of gardens and nurseries. By holding plant sales and seed swaps, they encourage gardeners on a shoestring budget to try new-varieties at very little risk. Clubs that offer bulk-buying benefits for garden supplies such as seeds and gardening equipment can pass on substantial discounts. Members can help each other with labour-intensive garden projects, sharing large pieces of garden equipment such as rotavators and swapping surplus vegetables.

Gardening clubs are a great way to meet local people who are dealing with the same soil, pests and growing climate as you. And more importantly, a great way to share your gardening triumphs!

For existing gardening clubs in the UK: www.gardenclub.org

How to start a gardening club: http://nin.tl/fTqH5f

Anna is office manager at New Internationalist in Oxford, and our gardening guru.

Can Sudden Death in Young Athletes Be Prevented?

Today at the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Dr. Mark S. Link, an electrophysiologist and Professor of Medicine, Tufts University, addressed the topic, "Athletes and Sudden Death Syndrome." Athletes and Sudden Death Syndrome (ASDS) is an often fatal syndrome occurring in young athletes. Dr. Link presented findings which showed that by following some very simple steps, lives could be saved. One step would be using safety baseballs and chest protectors for young baseball players. He outlined factors commonly associated with ASDS and the frequent underlying link to heart failure. Dr. Link discussed other athletic activities found to trigger ASDS, as well as other possible underlying (and undiagnosed) medical conditions i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Long QT Syndrome, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy and commotio cordis (see also Cardiomyopathy).

"While optimal screening measures have not yet been determined, research does show crucial measures to prevent death and injury in young athletes do exist," said Dr. Link. "For example, safety baseballs, which feel like standard balls but reduce the force of an impact would serve to reduce the incidence of sudden death with ball impact." Dr. Link listed factors that define high-risk groups for ASDS, such as age and gender, explaining that baseball is the sport most likely to cause an arrhythmia which can occur when a baseball is delivered at a certain velocity and hits an individual's chest at a precise moment during the cardiac cycle, causing an arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Link added that a third preventative step would be to change the rules in certain sports. For example, a young college-aged male lacrosse player died while attempting to block a ball with his chest. The cause of his death was commotio cordis. Should rules for sports be changed to help prevent these avoidable catastrophes?

Mortality rates in Athlete Sudden Death Syndrome are most common in the 25 and younger age group, most occurring between the ages of 5 - 16. "Athlete Sudden Death Syndrome in relation to heart failure opens a very important forum for the prevention of these deaths considering the large percentage of the population that is involved with athletics and especially because the average age ASDS affects is so very young," said Dr. Barry Greenberg, HFSA President and Professor of Medicine, and Director, Advanced Heart Failure Treatment Program, University of California, San Diego.

For a complete list of annual meeting sessions or for details on attending the conference, call (617) 226-7192 or visit www.hfsa.org and click on Annual Scientific Meeting. There is no registration fee for accredited journalists. Interview areas will be available on-site in addition to a fully-staffed press room with phone and internet accessibility.

Keywords: Arrhythmia, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia, Cardiology, Cardiomyopathies, Cordis Corporation, Heart Failure, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Long QT Syndrome, Long-QT Syndrome, Pharmaceutical Business, Pharmaceutical Company, Sudden Death, Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, The Heart Failure Society of America.

This article was prepared by Heart Disease Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Heart Disease Weekly via NewsRx.com.

Franklin opens sales office to service mid-Atlantic territory.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 1997-- Franklin Telecom (OTC/BB:FTEL) Monday announced that effective June 1, 1997, it is opening a new sales office, based in Raleigh, N.C., to serve the mid-Atlantic region.

The new office will service accounts in North and South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Georgia.

Eileen Rouse has been named mid-Atlantic sales manager. She previously served as sales administration manager for Franklin's headquarters in Westlake Village. Rouse brings 20 years of experience in sales within high-tech industries to her new position. Prior to working for Franklin, Rouse was sales administration manager for Xircom and Penril Datability Networks.

Frank Peters, Franklin's president and chief executive officer, expressed satisfaction at Rouse rejoining Franklin's sales force. "Ms. Rouse has proven herself an exceptional talent in high-tech sales. When we looked to establish a stronger corporate presence in the mid-Atlantic area, I was delighted to be able to secure her services to spearhead this enterprise. She has qualities of vitality and dedication that invariably lead to success."

Rouse will oversee sales for Franklin Telecom's full line of hardware products and FNet Internet services as well as satellite solutions offered through Franklin's subsidiary Internet PassPort in Atlanta but her special focus will be on Franklin's recently introduced Cyclone product.

According to Rouse, "I am very much looking forward to this new challenge. This is a geographic region which has explosive potential for growth. I know the Franklin product line will do well here. I am particularly excited at being able to introduce the Cyclone into this area."

The primary business of Franklin Telecom, founded in 1981, is the design and manufacturing of communications devices, high-speed LAN, WAN & Telco Systems and software, Franklin has an installed base of over 100,000 nodes worldwide.

Franklin Telecom has produced innovative voice and data communications products for over 16 years based on the engineering philosophy that connectivity products should be reliable, high speed, reasonably priced and easy to use. FNet, Franklin's Internet division, is a national, full-service Internet Service Provider which focuses on corporate and professional Internet usage.

For additional information contact Helen West at Franklin headquarters: 800/FRANKLIN.

For the latest up-to-minute information about Franklin's family of companies visit the company's web site: http://www.ftel.com .

CONTACT: Franklin Telecom

Helen West, 800/FRANKLIN

get a second chance.

ATMs are all things that customers expect to be working and working well. Where you exceed customer expectations, and therefore drive greater customer satisfaction, which ultimately drives customer advocacy, is in face-to-face interaction. That's why branches are so important."

A pleasant experience with a bank employee in a branch - no matter how minor - has a much larger impact than an ATM working fine.

"That's the key, that's why the branch network has to be relevant for customers," says Besant.

"They have to be in the right location - seven-day openings, the convenience in malls, those elements all have to come into play."

He admits that the banks have learned from the past.

"I think one of the lessons banks have learned, particularly during the 1990s, is that the branches are really important to customer satisfaction. From my perspective the branch network will continue to be a big driver of customer satisfaction and advocacy."

But that doesn't mean banks can stand still. "The lesson that the industry has learned is to make sure that our branches remain relevant. "

Chris Bayliss, BNZ's general manager of retail banking, is coy about pending changes to its branches.

There are, he says, "some new initiatives rolling out this year."

"While we've seen an increase in online banking, we still have a large customer base who want a face-to-face experience in the form of friendly fast service in convenient locations," says Bayliss. "The branch network will always be a critical part of the business and an important part of meeting customer needs."

Westpac's chief operating officer, consumer banking, Graeme Sayers, says the number of branches in its network has stayed steady in recent years, with a slight rise from 195 in 2005 to 198 now.

There has, however, been a "subtle redistribution" with new branches opening at the big malls, such as Sylvia Park and at Albany in Auckland.

"Bank branch use has shifted, with more smaller transactions being completed via ATM machines and through online banking," says Sayers.

"Online banking use for Westpac is growing at a rate exceeding 20 per cent but we are still finding that branches have a major role to play in people's lives.

"The conversations held at branch level are also very important and valued by customers, and enable the bank to build levels of loyalty."

The branch is also a useful channel for selling other products, such as KiwiSaver accounts.

In overall terms, transactions are reducing slowly, but there is still a steady demand for personal "money in and money out services".

"Although the predictions several years ago were about customers migrating all or most of their banking from the face-to-face channels to the internet, this has not occurred, the internet remains a value-add product and has the potential to be even more functionally rich," says Sayers.

"The strategy at Westpac is to remain with a distributed branch network that can continue to service customers' day-to-day transactions but also focus on the more complex, specialised and personal requirements that all customer segments continue to request."

So once knocked around, consigned to a slow and dreary death, the bank branch is back - with a flash new look and a better appreciation in the boardroom of how a person can do things no ATM ever can.

Midday Report & Alerts Wednesday, August 10 CWTI, EITFF, IAIC, NXPW.

M2 PRESSWIRE-10 August 2005-Beacon Equity Research: Midday Report & Alerts Wednesday, August 10 CWTI, EITFF, IAIC, NXPW(C)1994-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:10082005

Arlington, Texas: Clean Water Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: CWTI) Up 85% Early, Eiger Technology, Inc. (TSX: AXA, OTCBB: ETIFF) turns profitable in third quarter, Information Analysis Inc. (OTCBB: IAIC) Reports Second Quarter Results, and NextPhase Wireless (OTCBB: NXPW) Up 24% On Financials.

For information on featuring a stock on www.TechStockReview.com please e-mail: editor@techstockreview.com

Clean Water Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: CWTI) and its subsidiaries hold a license for clean water technology developed at University of South Florida to remove arsenic from drinking water. It sublicenses clean water technology to International Water Purification Technologies, LLC. The company was formerly known as Nu Electric Corporation and changed its name to Clean Water Technologies, Inc. in April 2002. Clean Water Technologies is based in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Eiger Technology, Inc. (ETIFF) announces results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2005. For the three months ended June 30, 2005, net income was $85,000 ($0.00 per share) vis a vis a net loss of $816,000 ($0.02 per share) during the same period last year, and a net loss of $300,000 ($0.01 per share) in the previous quarter. Eiger has filed its financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Eiger Technology, Inc., headquartered in Toronto, Ontario is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information please call (416) 216-8659 of refer to www.sedar.com.

Information Analysis Inc. (IAIC) reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005. Revenues were $3,006,000 up 39% from the $2,158,000 reported in 2004's second quarter. The Company reported net income of $148,000, or $0.01 per share, compared to net income of $59,000, or $0.01 per share in 2004's second quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, IAI had revenue of $5,193,000, up from the $4,274,000 reported for six months ending June 30, 2004. Net income for the first six months of fiscal 2005 was $220,000, or $0.02 per share, versus net income of $112,000, or $0.01 per share, in the comparable 2004 period.

NextPhase Wireless (NXPW), Inc. provides wireless broadband Internet connectivity and turnkey wireless solutions in Orange County, California. It designs, deploys, and operates a wireless Wi-Fi and Wi-Max interactive broadband network. The company's services include wireless digital subscriber line, voice over wireless local area network services, wireless backup services, Web hosting, and co-location services, as well as wireless network installation, maintenance, and monitoring services. It offers its services to business class customers, government agencies, and consumer class Internet users. NextPhase Wireless is headquartered in Anaheim, California.

About TechStockReview.com: a leading destinations on the internet for information on small and micro cap technology companies. Companies interested in our services may contact our Publisher, Michael Hammersley, to discuss featuring a company on our web sites.

Disclosure: Tech Stock Review, LLC is not a registered investment advisers or broker/dealers. Tech Stock Review, LLC makes no recommendation that the purchase of securities of companies profiled in this website is suitable or advisable for any person or that an investment such securities will be profitable.

CONTACT: Michael A. HammersleyTel: +1 682 560 5600e-mail: editor@techstockreview.com

((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

New Mexico travelers are not rushing to Athens for Summer Olympics.

By Charlotte Balcomb Lane, Albuquerque Journal, N.M. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Aug. 12--ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Americans may be traveling the world again but apparently not many from New Mexico are traveling to this summer's Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Albuquerque travel agents report that bookings are slim for trips to the Olympics. The Summer Games are scheduled to begin Friday and conclude on Aug. 29.

"Greece is not a big draw," said Craig Pavlus, owner of Pavlus Travel & Cruise, which sells discount cruises and tours around the country, mostly through the Internet.

Pavlus blames a fear of terrorism and high prices for hotel rooms and airline tickets for the general lack of interest.

Paul DuBruille, owner of Bolack Total Travel, said terrorism fears are a concern for many travelers. During past Olympic games, sports fans would pay whatever the cost was for tickets and hotel rooms, but that doesn't seem to hold true this year.

To see more of the Albuquerque Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.abqjournal.com.

(c) 2004, Albuquerque Journal. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.

Cyber-cremation.

AMSTERDAM: Mourners will soon be able to see their loved ones cremated on the Internet.

The service is intended for people who work abroad or are unable to leave home for reasons such as illness. But the general public will not be able to access the website, which will need a special password issued only to families.

-

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for April 2.

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

SATURDAY, APRIL 2: DRAWING NEW POLITICAL BOUNDARIES

Profile America -- Saturday, April 2nd. One of the most intense uses of new data flowing from the 2010 Census has been under way for some weeks -- as official local data arrives at each of the 50 states. By law, all of this data must have been delivered to the states by yesterday. The arrival of this data has started the process of drawing new political boundaries for each state's congressional districts, as well as seats in the state legislature, county or city councils and school boards. This process, known as redistricting, is often highly political and contested. Earlier, 2010 Census data were used to determine the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives allotted to each state. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB10-FFSE.05

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

WatchDox Offering Tax Season Advice for Preventing Data Leaks.

Most taxpayers are attuned to the threat of identity theft and would likely shred old paper returns before putting them out with the trash but few take similar precautions when sharing personal, current, tax-related information electronically.

As the tax season approaches, WatchDox, a document control, tracking and protection solution, shares several tips with taxpayers to prevent the risk of data loss during filing season.

According to WatchDox, the tips for tax season include the following:

- Be wary of phishing scams: The IRS reported in 2008 that it had received a total of 33,000 scam e-mails over the years, all of which were forwarded by taxpayers. Those e-mails, the agency said, represent 1,500 different schemes. The IRS does not use e-mail to communicate with taxpayers. If a message shows up in your inbox purporting to be from the IRS, it is almost certainly a scam.

- Protect your personally identifiable information (PII): Tax forms, by necessity, contain PII that could be valuable to identity thieves. If someone requests your Social Security or bank account numbers over the phone or via e-mail, decline to share that data.

- Determine whether your PC is one of the 60 percent of machines in the country infected by malware: Malicious software makes its way onto personal computers via e-mail and the Internet. These Trojan horses, viruses, worms and other unwanted programs can put data at risk. Ensure computers are malware-free by keeping anti-virus software updated, using a personal firewall, and making sure to act sensibly. Don't open attachments unless they are absolutely necessary and come from trusted sources. Don't surf unknown websites, and don't download suspicious applications from the Internet.

- Use e-mail with caution: E-mail is not a secure way of sending sensitive documents. If you must use it, make sure your e-mail provider uses secure sockets layer (SSL). Look for the "https://" prefix in the address bar.

- Protect your documents: You can encrypt your documents using Winzip or other tools, or use even stronger services that deliver protection, control and tracking of your documents even after they have been sent. Keep in mind that unprotected documents can leak even after they arrive at their destination.

"This season is a boon to identity thieves, who are eager to take advantage of taxpayers who share personal and sensitive data over insecure channels," said Adi Ruppin, VP of marketing and business development of WatchDox. "With some common sense and simple technology solutions, individuals can protect their documents and file their taxes securely."

More Information:

http://www.watchdox.com/taxseason2011

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

At Black Hat Europe 2011, Security Experts to Demonstrate How Businesses Can Prevent Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks.

Researchers Yuri Gushin and Alex Behar of Radware selected to take center stage at the biggest and most important security conference

BARCELONA, Spain, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Hat Europe 2011 -- Radware (Nasdaq: RDWR), a leading provider of integrated application delivery solutions for business-smart networking, today announced that two of its security experts were selected to present on recent Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and how to detect, analyze, and mitigate against them at the 2011 Black Hat Europe Conference, to be held in Barcelona from March 15-18, 2011.

As part of their presentation entitled, "Building Floodgates: Cutting-Edge Denial of Service Mitigation", Yuri Gushin and Alex Behar will brief attendees on the topic of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. They will provide an in-depth look at some of the recent attacks that have affected businesses and organizations worldwide and reveal how advanced Anti-DoS technologies can effectively mitigate such threats. In addition, they will release an open-source HTTP robot defense system and demonstrate ways of defending against LOIC - Low Orbit Ion Cannon, an open-source DoS application used in the recent WikiLeaks attacks.

"As more businesses depend on virtual servers to store information and run websites, there is no time to waste when it comes to developing new tactics that help to counter cyber criminals," said Yuri Gushin. "We remain vigilant in the face of new security threats and will continually develop cutting edge defense solutions that ensure network reliability and provide reliable uptime for critical Internet applications," continued Behar.

Gushin and Behar's presentation takes place on Friday, March 18, 2011, at 1:45 pm, and will offer comprehensive insight on DoS issues, which include:

* An overview of DoS attack types and recent events.

* Details on the most advanced Anti-DoS technologies available, covering the operation, detection, analysis, and mitigation of DoS attacks.

* A demonstration of some of these technologies against common attack software including Low Orbit Ion Cannon used in the recent WikiLeaks.

* Observations on how the surge of businesses using cloud services, billed for bandwidth usage on a pay-per-use basis - exposes any such cloud-based business to potential financial impact from DoS attacks.

Yuri Gushin is Senior Security Specialist for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) at Radware. He has been involved with security research & development for over a decade, including extensive work in the fields of IPS and DoS detection and evasion technologies, network and application vulnerability discovery and exploitation, protocol fuzzing and plenty more. He also co-founded the ECL Labs research group.

Alex Behar is Director of Security Products for North America. He has been in information security for the last 15 years participating in research, exploit development and reverse engineering of network protocols and application stacks. He is also a co-founder of security research think-tank ECL-Labs and core developer of the Raptor Traffic Suite.

For more information on this conference, please visit: http://www.blackhat.com/html/bh-eu-11/bh-eu-11-home.html. For more information on Radware, please visit: http://www.radware.com.

About Black Hat: Professional Security Events

The Black Hat Briefings are a series of highly technical information security conferences that bring together thought leaders from all facets of the infosec world - from the corporate and government sectors to academic and even underground researchers. The environment is strictly vendor-neutral and focused on the sharing of practical insights and timely, actionable knowledge. Black Hat remains the best and biggest event of its kind, unique in its ability to define tomorrow's information security landscape. Black Hat's decade of leadership attracts the most prestigious names from the full spectrum of security thinkers, and ensures that the conference stays on the leading edge of new security trends as they emerge. Our commitment to delegate feedback also helps keep our presentations aligned to the needs and desires of our delegates. From its inception in 1997, Black Hat has grown from a single annual conference in Las Vegas to a global conference series with annual events in Abu Dhabi, Barcelona, Las Vegas and Washington DC. It has also become a premiere venue for elite security researchers and the best security trainers to find their audience.

About Radware

Radware (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in integrated application delivery solutions, assures the full availability, maximum performance, and complete security of business-critical applications for nearly 10,000 enterprises and carriers worldwide. With APSolute, Radware's comprehensive and award-winning suite of application delivery and network security products, companies in every industry can drive business productivity, improve profitability, and reduce IT operating and infrastructure costs by making their networks "business smart". For more information, please visit www.radware.com.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions in the Application Switching or Network Security industry, changes in demand for Application Switching or Network Security products, the timing and amount or cancellation of orders and other risks detailed from time to time in Radware's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Radware's Form 20-F.

Press Relations:

Joyce Anne Shulman

+1 201 785 3209

joyceannes@radware.com

SOURCE Radware Ltd

Payless ShoeSource Announces Availability of Iconic Above The Rim(R) Performance Basketball Shoes for Men and Kids.

20-Year-Old Authentic Brand is Re-launched with Focus of Helping Players Rise Both On and Off the Court; Martell Webster of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Will Bynum of the Detroit Pistons Endorse Brand; Payless is Exclusive Mass Channel Retailer

TOPEKA, Kan., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the recent re-launch of the Above The Rim (ATR) brand late last year targeting young, passionate players with a compelling new brand message: Elevate Your Game. Elevate Your Team. Elevate Yourself, Payless ShoeSource announced today the availability of ATR branded basketball shoes at all Payless stores nationwide and Payless.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060627/CGTU040LOGO-b)

"The fresh position of the ATR brand with its new focus on supporting young, passionate basketball players to rise on and off the court is meaningful and relevant for today's youth," said LuAnn Via, CEO of Payless ShoeSource. "ATR is more than a basketball brand -- its driving a new culture in basketball and in our communities -- and we at Payless are thrilled to be a part of that. The fresh styling and technology of the Payless ATR collection combined with the credibility and heritage of this iconic basketball brand, its NBA player support, community outreach, and the affordable Payless price point, make this new footwear collection very exciting for shoppers."

Available now in men's and kids' starting at $40 (men's) and $35 (kids') a pair, all ATR shoes feature performance footwear technology including a compression-molded EVA mid-sole for superior cushioning and support, a high-grip outsole important for basketball's quick lateral moves and high-top support, as well as the latest colors and styling. An expanded line is planned for this year's back-to-school season and each season Payless expects to refresh the ATR collection with new designs and colorations.

As part of the re-launch of the ATR brand, which is managed by Collective Licensing International, ATR has committed to supporting a roster of rising NBA players who demonstrate relentless commitment to their game, their teams and their communities. ATR has announced two players so far: Martell Webster of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Will Bynum of the Detroit Pistons. Both players support the brand in community-based programs, as well as in product development, Payless in-store signage and in ATR's social media programs. ATR expects to announce additional players to its roster during the upcoming season.

The brand has also launched a youth leadership and development grant program, A.T.R. (Assisting The Rise) Project, where it will identify and support a growing group of community leaders from across the U.S. who are dedicated to mentoring and assisting the rise of young players in their communities. These ambassadors help the players channel the passion that they have for the game of basketball into other important areas of their lives including education and community service. Selected ATR ambassadors -- such as coaches, after school program leaders or community leaders -- will be given funding from ATR to supply tools, as well as ATR performance basketball shoes provided by Payless, and additional resources to assist the youth they serve, encouraging them to rise to challenges on the court, in the classroom and in their communities.

The 2011 ATR ambassadors include: Bernard Bowen, New York City, with the group, Beyond Basketball; Tavio Hobson, Seattle, with the organization A Plus; and Charles "Chuck" Torres, out of Los Angeles, with the association he leads, Better Through Basketball.

Above The Rim History

Originally launched in 1989 by a former Division I college basketball player in San Diego, CA, Above The Rim took the basketball apparel market by storm with a fresh, unique look characterized by baggier shorts and tops designed to make taking jump shots easier. The brand became hugely popular with all levels of players including NBA, college, high school and street ball players, eventually selling to a major athletic footwear company in 1992. The brand launched its first footwear collection the same year and eventually aligned with major NBA talent, catapulting the brand's popularity. Today, Above The Rim is re-launching with a fresh identity and product direction, robust cause and athlete platforms and the support of an integrated marketing campaign including newly launched web site, social media channels and advertising campaign.

About Payless ShoeSource

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of the third quarter 2010, the company operated nearly 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com at www.payless.com.

About Collective Licensing International, LLC

Collective Licensing International, LLC, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS), was formed in January 2004 and is the owner and/or license operator of Airwalk(R), Above The Rim(R), Vision Street Wear(R), Clinch Gear(TM), STRIKEFORCE(TM), Sims(R), Lamar(R) and LTD(R), World Snowboarding Championships(TM) and Hind(R). Collective Licensing International is based in Englewood, Colorado. www.collectiveintl.com

SOURCE Payless ShoeSource

WB begins Fellows Program to bring specialized expertise to countries.

TASHKENT, February 23 (UzReport.com): The World Bank on 22 February announced the launch of a new global fellowship program to tap new expertise into its development work and strengthen its knowledge network.

The Fellowship program will enable the Bank to attract global technical and policy experts for three months to a year to provide new perspectives on policy, performance and implementation. Fellows will also contribute to policy analysis, advise governments, promote knowledge sharing, and bring cutting-edge solutions to countries.

The first fellow under the program, Michael Joseph, will advise the Bank and governments on spreading the use of mobile phone banking, drawing on his knowledge and experience at the helm of Kenya's largest telecommunications service provider.

"I am really deeply honored to have been selected as the first fellow by the World Bank to share my knowledge and experience in mobile innovations," said Michael Joseph, former Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom. "I am delighted to work with the leading development institution and be part of the global effort to fight poverty."

Joseph, who remains on the Board of Safaricom, has been credited with the success of the internationally renowned M-pesa, the mobile money platform that enables subscribers to make payments and move cash at a low cost, cutting out intermediaries. M-pesa has become a key asset for people without access to banks.

As a World Bank Fellow, Joseph will provide strategic advice to the World Bank and governments beyond Africa on policy and regulatory issues to promote development of mobile banking and mobile payments.

"Sharing knowledge on telecommunications innovations, including mobile money, can make an important contribution to Africa's reform and development," said Johannes Zutt, World Bank Country Director for Kenya. "Michael Joseph's participation in the World Bank Fellows program will leverage the Bank's interventions in technology and financial services in new frontiers in line with our new Africa Strategy."

The global sharing of knowledge and innovation will boost growth opportunities for African countries, contributing to better equity and poverty reduction.

Mobile phones are now the leading means of voice communications and internet access, connecting communities and expanding opportunities for economic development. In 2010, the world reached 5.3 billion mobile subscriptions, with more than three billion of them in developing countries. These include 450 million in Africa, representing a penetration of 43%.

In Kenya, mobile connectivity has increased rapidly, creating opportunities for financial transfers and information exchange. The World Bank's December 2010 Kenya Economic Update estimated that more than 21 million Kenyans have access to phones, with 15 million using mobile money services. In December 2010, mobile money services in Kenya reached a new record of almost $1 billion in transactions.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)

SpeakWrite LLC Written Transcripts from All Texas Legislative Hearing Committees Now Available.

Something new at the Texas Legislature - overnight written transcripts of all proceedings

AUSTIN, Texas -- SpeakWrite LLC, an Austin-based offsite transcription company (www.speakwrite.com), has begun providing inexpensive full text, verbatim transcripts of all Texas Legislative Hearings, available 24/7, with the written transcript delivered via email 24 hours after order.

These written transcriptions provide a record of every minute of the proceedings of every Committee, every Floor Session, every Press Conference and they are all available 'on demand.' Lobbyists, Legislators, state Agencies, Interest groups and other interested parties never have to sit in another hearing or listen to hours of recorded testimony or content online. With a full content, verbatim transcript of any Legislative Committee hearing, they can read exactly what was said and review hours of proceedings in minutes, all from the comfort of their own office. (For the first time ever, you can be in two places at the same time!) And since the transcript is delivered in MS Word format, users can send excerpts to their clients, store or print for later review and always be sure that there is nothing they 'missed' in their notes.

The word-for-word content of an hour-long hearing can be read and reviewed in minutes and is then available for reference or other use whenever desired. There is no longer any requirement to take notes to capture pertinent or important comments or testimony. With these transcripts you have it all.

It's easy to order a transcript and to see a free sample of the work. Just go to www.legislativetranscripts.com, select the hearing segments (or the entire hearing) of the Legislative Committee you want transcribed and SpeakWrite will send your written, verbatim hearing transcription directly to your email within 24 hours of the order placed. From that site, you can also get full details on the service and its cost and a free transcription sample (the full proceedings of the 2011 Sunset Advisory Commission, held January 12, 2011)

Richard Jackson, President of SpeakWrite, says, "Our Lobbyist clients, special interest groups and their representatives and a host of others interested in the day-to-day proceedings and activities of the Texas Legislature report that the service is always fast, accurate and reliable. With these transcripts, they have a complete record of everything that happens at these hearings without having to park themselves or some staffer in a hearing room all day, and they tell us that the verbatim record received is far more valuable to them than whatever notes they would normally take or have someone take on the spot. It lets them know that they have the hearing truly 'covered,' so that nothing is going to happen there, of which they are not aware."

About SpeakWrite:

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Sierra Global supports e-School program.

Sri Lanka, Feb. 9 -- The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency which is responsible for recruitment and training of Sri Lankan human resources for foreign employment launched the 'e-School' program in collaboration with Tharunyata Hetak (future for youth) to move Sri Lanka towards a knowledge based economy to provide skilled and professionals to reliable overseas markets and to move away from supply unskilled domestic maids to unsecured markets. Sierra Global Network Private Limited, one of the leading telecommunication infrastructure development and managed services firms in the country is sponsoring the program.

Tharunyata Hetak movement Chairman Namal Rajapaksa MP, Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency Chairman Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris, Sierra Global Chairman Nimal Lokuge and Sierra Global Director and CEO Dr Arosha Fernando at the ceremony held recently at the Tangalle Boys School auditorium.

As part of the program, internet facility has been provided to three schools in Tangalle recently, the Sinimodera Primary School, the Gatamanna Swarnapala Primary School and the Tangalle Muslim School.

The Tharunyata Hetak movement Chairman Namal Rajapaksa MP said "Through the e-School initiative we will provide an opportunity for all the students in the rural areas to explore the world through distance learning. I thank Sierra Global for sponsoring the program and working closely with Tharunyata Hetak movement in fulfilling this social need."

Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency Chairman Asanga Abeyagoonasekera said "Our studies in the international job market and experience in the industry reveal two major hindrances to capture foreign employment at skilled and higher grades for Sri Lankan youth who have sufficient vocational training and experience in the trade. One is lack of computer knowledge and the other is inadequacies in foreign language skills. In order to build up these skills apart from providing other educational benefits to rural children with a long term vision, we have launched 'e-School' Program to provide internet facilities to rural schools".

Sierra Global Director and CEO Dr Arosha Fernando, said, "We are happy to have been afforded the opportunity to support the e-School initiative which is a national program to support less privileged rural children.

I personally believe this is a timely need for our country and future of our nation. This is very well linked with our company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program as our vision is to provide the required infrastructure for communication, and e-School initiative will provide the communication platform for less privileged students across the country who may be the leaders of our nation time to come."

For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. brought to you by HT Media Ltd.

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Brenda's story 'It is impossible to thank someone for a gift such as you have given a'.(Neighbor)

Byline: Brenda Bogue Special to the Daily Herald

My journey began this past summer when I came across an article about a man who lost his 17-year-old daughter in a tragic car accident. His daughter was an organ donor and he was very inspired when he learned that her heart valves saved another person's life.

In her memory, he became an advocate to encourage people to become organ donors. Early on, he learned of the need and the opportunity to be a living kidney donor and he did just this which is what the article was about.

I too had made the decision to donate my organs upon my death. But before reading the article this past summer, I had no idea that it was possible to be a living kidney donor. I had no idea how many people were on the waiting list

for a kidney 87,000 and it continues to rise. More than 5,000 people a year die while waiting for a kidney.

I did not realize that an individual can lead a normal life with one kidney. In fact one in 700 are born with one kidney and lead a perfectly normal life. Furthermore, I was encouraged to hear that the donor's surgery is laparoscopic which is far less invasive then traditional surgery, so this means a much shorter recovery time. Although there is a risk in any surgery, being a living kidney donor overall is very safe.

I am a Christian and therefore I seek out God's wisdom through prayer before making any major decisions. Before I even finished reading the newspaper article, I felt God prompting me to consider being a living kidney donor. I imagined what it would be like for one of my family members whose kidneys were failing and in need of a kidney transplant

knowing that his/her life would be greatly compromised and significantly shortened.

Undoubtedly, a few of my family members would step up to donate, but what if we learned that none of us were a match? This happens approximately 30 percent of the time. Being a family member doesn't automatically mean you are a match to another family member. We would be disheartened and feel that hope was lost. The average waiting list for a deceased donor kidney is approximately five years.

But then imagine being told that there is an option called a kidney pairing! A kidney pairing can be done if you are not a match for a specific recipient, and the same situation exists for another donor and their recipient, but you match the other's recipient. Hope is given back!

My decision to be an altruistic donor came after praying to God for guidance, talking with my husband, Mike, and my sister, Stacey. Putting myself in "someone else's shoes," and reflecting on the 43 years of good health that God has blessed me with a for me it was a fairly easy decision.

In the subsequent weeks, I did further research on the Internet on the topic of being a living kidney donor. This research included reading about the experiences of two recent altruistic donors, Cara Yesawich (simplycara.blogspot.com) and Angela Stimpson (oksolo.blogspot.com). I found their blog sites to be very informative and inspiring.

Another valuable site with a wealth of information is The Living Kidney Donors Network (lkdn.org). Harvey Mysel started the network and is a recipient from a living donor as well. His site is dedicated to those who need a kidney as well as those who are interested in being a living kidney donor. I printed several articles from this site for my family members to read so they could fully understand the process and minimal risks.

A very valuable resource of information and support to me was the mentoring I received from Cara Yesawich. Cara is the altruistic donor who allowed eight people to receive a kidney in Northwestern Hospital's largest kidney pairing in April of 2010. She is passionate about being a mentor for others who are on this journey and came to the hospital to offer her support immediately following my surgery a what a blessing she was to me!

For anyone considering becoming a living donor, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the "gift" of having a mentor. I welcome the opportunity to share my experience with anyone. My contact is brenb24@gmail.com.

My surgery was on Dec. 30 and because I am an altruistic donor, three people were able to receive a kidney in a pairing at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I experienced moderate pain the first several days and slept a lot. After a week, I turned the corner and was able to return to work half days (my energy was still not at 100 percent). I was back to work full time by the third week and am now about four weeks out from surgery and back to normal.

I plan on starting to run again in a week or two and am registered to run another marathon in September.

I received a beautiful card from the family of the gentleman who received my kidney in the kidney pairing. Part of it reads:

"Dear Brenda, It is impossible to thank someone for a gift such as you have given to us. Dialysis allowed my Dad to live, but your gift of a kidney has given him a renewed quality of life worth living, and for that, we are eternally grateful."

The sacrifice that I made in donating one of my kidneys was minimal compared to the gift of giving an improved quality of life, which I was able to give someone else.

Abu Dhabi begins online marriage documentation.

Summary: ABU DHABI -- The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has made it easy for couples-to-be by documenting the marriage agreement possible anywhere the expectant couple wants, department said on Saturday.

ABU DHABI -- The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has made it easy for couples-to-be by documenting the marriage agreement possible anywhere the expectant couple wants, department said on Saturday.

"If you live in Abu Dhabi and want to get married in the emirate you no more need to report to Abu Dhabi Judicial Department to document your marriage. The marriage clerk will come to you with a laptop and enter your marriage agreement data in ADJD's system through wireless internet access," ADJD said in a Press release.

The new facility enables a marriage official to log on the e-marriage contract system through his laptop from anywhere in the country. He has to type both the username and password to log in and fill out the information of the husband and wife,
witnesses names, value of dowry and deferred dowry etc.

Hence, there will be no need for the husband to fill in the form and proceed to the judicial department the following day for attestation.

A bridegroom can later approach the judicial department to collect the marriage agreement.

The new service is aimed at processing the marriage applications and arranging a marriage agreement as fast as possible. It also reduce the paper work at the judicial department.

To implement the new service, marriage agreement section at ADJD has given training course on the
new system to all its clerks.

alaa@khaleejtimes.com

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